O.A.R.S. Opening Avenues to Reentry Success
A program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC)
in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
The Becky Young Community Corrections Appropriation 112
Program Vision:
To enhance public safety by supporting the successful transition, recovery, and self sufficiency of offenders with mental health needs as they reintegrate into the community
Based on the DHS Conditional Release Program
Operating successfully since 1993 Serving the NGI population releasing directly from
the courts, WMHI, or MMHI Majorly mentally ill forensic patients A nationally recognized model for producing low
recidivism rates and cost effective, quality mental health services
OARS Program Goals
To enhance public safety by reducing reconviction and revocation rates
To improve the continuity of care for offenders releasing from prison to the community
To encourage offender involvement in structured activities
To promote offender self-sufficiency
Who the Program Serves
Fiscal Year 2011: Legislative mandate to serve 52 male and
36 female offenders, from WRC and TCI (88 participants)
Fiscal Year 2012: 142 participants Fiscal Year 2013: Serve as many participants as the budget
allows
Criteria for Referrals
Offenders releasing who meet all of the following: Have a minimum of six months of supervision upon
release Have serious mental health and other treatment
needs (DOC MH-2) Moderate or High Compas risk rating Releasing to an OARS territory (county of residence) Demonstrates a general motivation and willingness to
engage in treatment programming Voluntarily consents to participate in the OARS
Program
OARS Counties
Adams, Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Dodge, Door, Fond Du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago
The OARS Team Concept The team works together to develop a
comprehensive Individualized Case Plan (ICP) that will be reviewed throughout the release process to help the offenders successfully re-integrate into the community.
The OARS Team Members
OARS Participant (Offender)
Institution Social Worker (pre-release phase)
Community Corrections Agent
OARS Case Manager DHS OARS Program
Specialist Treatment providers in
the community
The Individualized Case Plan (ICP)
Housing Financial Income Support Transportation Employment/Structured Activities Community/Social Interaction Family/Marital Relationships Supervision Cultural Identity Physical Health Daily Functioning/Self Care Attitude/Lifestyle Mental Health Suicide Risk/Crisis Response
Services Provided
Assistance finding and maintaining housing Assistance obtaining mental health services
and medications Help finding education and employment
resources, or other community structured activities
Assistance with transportation resources and budgeting finances
Support and guidance with developing a plan to be successful
Participant Responsibilities
Attend and participate in mental health services Take medication as prescribed by the psychiatrist Participate in the development and review of the
Individualized Case Plan (ICP) Meet with the assigned OARS case manager and
community corrections agent Follow all rules of supervision Be respectful and responsible with regards to any
housing that is provided
OARS Program Completion Continued:
The length of time that an offender may be enrolled in the program is between six months and two years….
OARS Program Completion Criteria
Offender is maintaining stable housing independently
Offender is living without reliance on alcohol or illegal drugs
Offender is actively engaged in treatment and has transitioned to locally based services in his/her county of residence
Offender is making healthy decisions regarding recovery and mental health stability
Offender is financially able to maintain their treatment, housing and basic needs without assistance from OARS
DHS & DOC OARS Program Staff Janice Weis – (920) 751-5215 Fox Valley & Northern Regions DHS OARS Specialist [email protected] Vaughn Brandt – (608) 266-3878 Milwaukee Region DHS OARS Specialist [email protected] Kalen Ruck - (608) 240-5016 DOC Disabilities Reentry Coordinator [email protected]
O.A.R.S.�Opening Avenues �to Reentry SuccessA program offered by the�Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC)�in partnership with the�Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)Program Vision:Based on the DHS Conditional Release ProgramOARS Program GoalsWho the Program ServesCriteria for Referrals�OARS Counties The OARS Team ConceptThe OARS Team MembersThe Individualized Case Plan (ICP)Services Provided Participant Responsibilities OARS Program Completion Continued: OARS Program Completion Criteria DHS & DOC OARS Program Staff